You may be a fresh graduate, a previous clerk, or someone who is currently employed in a different field who wants to explore an administrative career. If you’re new to this line of work, a lot of questions may pop in your mind, like Will I get hired? or With so many applicants for the job, what's my edge? To have a better chance of success at an admin job in Malaysia, here are some pointers and instructions that will get you hired.

Do Your Research

By studying the company’s background, its nature of business, job description and requirements, you are placing yourself a step ahead of other applicants. If you know someone from the firm, ask them about its vision, their culture, and goals so you can have a better understanding as to where the company is headed. If you don’t, a quick search on the Internet will bring up news articles or materials on the company that will help you understand their goals and values better. Note down any particular words they use to describe the job and use that to your advantage in your resume.

Know Your Responsibilities

Admin jobs in Malaysia depend on the nature and requirements of the company. Employers look for employees that are competent, committed and have a positive outlook. Familiarity with office procedures and equipment is also an advantage. But most importantly, you must possess great communication skills. To give you a basic idea of your responsibilities, here are some of the tasks that are involved.

1. Creating, maintaining and updating files and records both on books and computer.

3. Answering phone inquiries, getting necessary information and connecting calls to the right person or department.

4. Issuing receipts and other invoices.

5. Assisting officers and managers in preparation of their reports and paraphernalia.

6. Monitoring office supplies and stocks.

Don’t Just Qualify - Quantify Your Skills

The best way to prepare an administrative resume is to quantify your skills. If the job description asks for a fast typer, test your typing speed and include it in your resume. If it asks for organisational skills, include your favourite methods for organisation and how it has benefited you or your previous employers.

Whenever possible, always have a solid reference on hand. Instead of just including the reference’s contact information in your resume, attach an official letter (with company letterhead) from your referrer. This saves the hiring manager from having to call your referrers him or herself, and shows that you’re a problem solver.

Develop Your Skills

Practice and develop certain skills that are required as part of the working class. Clerical jobs in Malaysia require employees to be equipped with some basic skills to have an efficient and smooth business operation. Some of the most useful include:

1. Knowledge in computer applications such as MS Word, MS Excel and Powerpoint.

2. Knowledge in basic accounting procedures like bookkeeping and journaling.

Passing The Interview

If there's one important phase in the recruitment process, it is the interview. During this process, dress up neatly and appropriately, make yourself comfortable, and be confident. Most importantly, be sincere with all your answers. For clerk jobs in Malaysia, a great attitude has been said to be the most desirable trait of all. Getting a job nowadays may be hard, but with these actionable tips and instructions, you will certainly land the administrative job of your dreams.